Multipole slide-type disconnect switch having multi-linkage operating means and shutter member

ABSTRACT

A multipole disconnect switch comprising a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts, a stationary contact carrier for supporting the stationary contacts, a movable contact carrier for supporting the movable contacts, an operating handle movable between a first and a second position, and means responsive to the movement of the handle between the first and the second position for moving the movable contact carrier toward and away from the stationary contact carrier in a translatory manner to simultaneously close all contact sets when the handle is moved to the first position, and simultaneously open all contact sets when the handle is moved to the second position. Means is also provided for retaining a planar surface of the movable contact carrier parallel to the plane of an adjacent planar surface of the stationary contact carrier as the movable contacts move toward and into engagement with their respective stationary contacts in order to insure simultaneous closing of all contact sets. Means for insuring proper alignment of each movable contact with its respective stationary contact is also provided. This last mentioned means also includes provision for preventing assembly of the stationary and movable contact carriers while the operating handle is in the first position.

United States Patent 1 1 DeVisser et al.

[ 51 Sept. 2, 1975 i 1 MULTIPOLE SLIDE-TYPE DISCONNECT SWITCH HAVING MULTI-LINKAGE OPERATING MEANS AND SHUTTER MEMBER [75] Inventors: Christian DeVisser, Clinton; Philip Goggans Hughes, Bloomington. both of Ill.

[73} Assignee: General Electric Company, New

York. NY.

[22] Filed: Mar. ll, I974 [Zl] Appl. No: 449,725

[52] U.S. Cl. 200/16 E; 200/17 R; ZOO/5O AA [Sl] Int. Cl H0lh l5/l6; HOlh 9/22 [58] Field of Search. ZOO/l6 B, 16 E, 16 F, 50 AA,

ZOO/I65, 17 R 18 Primur E.\'umi/zerJames R. Scott Attorney, Agent, or FirmS. A. Young; W. C. Bernkopf [57] ABSTRACT A multipole disconnect switch comprising a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts, a stationary contact carrier for supporting the stationary contacts, a movable contact carrier for supporting the movable contacts, an operating handle movable between 2 first and a second position, and means responsive to the movement of the handle between the first and the second position for moving the movable contact carrier toward and away from the stationary contact carrier in a translatory manner to simultaneously close all contact sets when the handle is moved to the first position and simultaneously open all contact sets when the handle is moved to the second position. Means is also provided for retaining a planar surface of the movable contact carrier parallel to the plane of an adjacent planar surface of the stationary contact carrier as the movable contacts move toward and into engagement with their respective stationary contacts in order to insure simultaneous closing of all contact sets. Means for insuring proper alignment of each movable contact with its respective sta tionary contact is also provided. This last mentioned means also includes provision For preventing assembly of the stationary and movable contact carriers while the operating handle is in the first position.

8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures fl I6; I m min m m MULTIPOLE SLIDE-TYPE DISCONNECT SWITCH HAVING MULTI-LINKAGE OPERATING MEANS AND SHUTTER MEMBER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field OfThe Invention This invention relates to a multipole disconnect switch, and more particularly to a switch having a plurality of stationary contacts mounted on a stationary contact carrier and a plurality of movable contacts mounted on a movable contact carrier, wherein each movable contact forms a contact set with a respective aligned stationary contact.

2. Description of The Prior Art A switching mechanism for multipole operation has been described in US. Pat. No. 3,614,680. This mechanism describes each contact set as being formed by a stationary and movable contact incorporated within a separate contactor module, wherein a common lever is used to open and close all of the contact sets of the various modules. Since each contact set is contained in a separate module, it is difficult to insure that all contact sets will open and close simultaneously. Furthermore, since each module is subject to failure for any of a variety of reasons, all contact sets become subject to the inoperability of any one module.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved multipole disconnect switch having none of the disadvantages mentioned above.

It is another object of this invention to provide a multipole disconnect switch having improved simultaneous operation of all contact sets contained therein.

It is another object of this invention to provide a multipole disconnect switch having a plurality of stationary contacts supported by a stationary contact carrier and a plurality of movable contacts supported by a movable contact carrier.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved multipole disconnect switch wherein the movable contact carrier moves forward and awayfrom the stationary contact carrier in a translatory manner to insure proper simultaneous operation of all contact sets of the switch.

It is another object of this invention to provide a multipole disconnect switch which insures that the movable and stationary contact carriers cannot be assembled together while the operating handle is in the ON position.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved multipole disconnect switch which insures that the movable and stationary contact carriers cannot be assembled together unless each movable contact and each stationary contact of each contact set are in proper alignment with respect to each other.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out hereinafter,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a multipole disconnect switch having a plurality ofstationary and movable electrical contacts mounted on respective stationary and movable contact carriers. The disconnect switch further includes an operating handle movable between a first and a second position, and means responsive to the movement of the handle between the first and second positions for moving the movable contact carrier toward and away from the stationary contact carrier to simultaneously close all contact sets when the handle is moved to the first position, and simultaneously open all contact sets when the handle is moved to the second position. Guide pins are attached to the stationary contact carrier and are actually aligned with and pass through holes in the movable contact carrier to insure that the movable contact carrier moves in a translatory manner relative to the stationary contact carrier. Spacer members are attached to the guide pins for also insuring that the movable contact carrier is maintained in a plane parallel to the plane of the stationary contact carrier after the movable contacts have moved into engagement with their respective stationary contacts. The above described responsive means is comprised of a linkage bracket assembly, for holding the movable contact carrier adjacent the stationary contact carrier, and actuating means mechanically coupled to the handle and linkage bracket assembly, for causing the linkage bracket assembly to move the movable contact carrier toward the stationary contact carrier when the handle is moved to a first position, and for causing the linkage bracket assembly to move the movable contact carrier away from the stationary contact carrier when the handle is moved to the second position.

Means is provided for properly aligning each of the movable contacts with a respective one of the stationary contacts. The aligning means is comprised of a shutter disposed between the stationary contact carrier and a plate, wherein the shutter is initially positioned so that holes therein are out of alignment with the stationary contacts to prevent the movable contacts from passing therethrough. The aligning means further includes means for moving the shutter until the holes of the shutter are in alignment'with the holes in'the plate when each of the movable contacts is in proper alignment with each of a respective one of the stationary contacts. The shutter moving means is adapted to prevent the movable and stationary contact carriers from being assembled together when the operating handle is in the first (ON) position so that the stationary and movable contacts are not initially brought into engagement with one another during assembly of the multipole disconnect switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multipole discon' nect switch of the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a top sectional view of the disconnect switch taken along the line 22 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the disconnect switch shown in FIG. I when the disconnect switch is in the open position, and is also a partial sectional view ofa portion of the contact carrier assembly taken along the line 33 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the disconnect switch shown in FIG. 1 when the disconnect switch is in the closed position and each of the movable contacts is in engagement with a respective one ofthe stationary contacts;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the movable contact carrier showing a single movable contact attached thereto; I

FIG. 6 is an exploded partial perspective view showing the means for insuring the proper alignment of each movable contact with each contact; and

FIG. 7 is an assembled partial perspective view of a shutter and a plate attached to a stationary contact carrier of the disconnect switch.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The invention will now be explained with reference to FIGS. l-6. As shown in FIG. 1, a multipole disconnect switch 10 is comprised generally of a first frame member 12, a second frame member 14, an elongated plate-like movable contact carrier 16, a linkage bracket assembly 18, an actuating mechanism 20, and an oper' ating handle 22. As further shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, disconnect switch 10 is also comprised of an elongated plate-like stationary contact carrier 24, a plurality of stationary contacts 26, and a plurality of movable contacts 28 carried by movable contact carrier 16. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, disconnect switch 10 also includes a shutter 30 and a plate 32 both of which are also elongated and are positioned between frame member 12 and movable carrier 16.

First frame member 12 has a rigid construction, and can be made of any suitable structural materiahsuch as steel. Member 12 has a main planar central section 34, and respective outwardly extending web sections 36 and 38 joined to opposite edges of central section 34 by respective flange sections 40 and 42. As shown in FIG. 6, central section 34 of frame member 12 has an elongated rectangular opening 44 therein, for allowing the movable contacts to pass therethrough and engage the appropriate respective stationary contacts, andan additional elongated slot 46 therein, the longitudinal axis of which extends in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of opening 44. Although not shown, web sections 36 and 38 can. have slots or holes therein for facilitating the mounting of first member 12, and in fact, the entire disconnect switch to a supporting structure (also not shown).

Second frame member 14 is also constructed of a structurally rigid material, such as steel. In this instance, member 14 is L-shaped, and has a first planar section 48 positioned adjacent and parallel to the central section of first member 12, and a second section 50 extending from one edge of first section 48 and away from and perpendicular to central section 34. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, first section 48 of member 14 has an elongated opening 52 therein for receiving movable contact carrier 16. First section 48 of second member 14 is fixed to central section 34 of first member 12 using standard nut and bolt fasteners 54, wherein each bolt passes through a spacer member 56 which is used to maintain adjacent surfaces of first section 48 and central section 34 spaced and parallel. Rigid brackets 58 and 60 are fixed to first section 48 adjacent opposite respective ends thereof. Brackets 58 and 60 serve to support terminal blocks which can be mounted thereon as indicated by dotted prism 62 in FIG. 1. The actual terminal blocks and the associated conductors which extend between the terminal blocks and the terminals of the movable contacts, have been omitted from the drawings for the sake of clarity. Fuse blocks and fuses, which can be electrically interconnected to the terminals of the movable contacts, can be directly mounted to first section 48 in the position indicated by rectangular dotted prisms 64 in FIG. 1. Again, the actual fuse respective stationary blocks and fuses have been omitted from the drawings for the sake of clarity. Second section 50 of second member 14 has elongated slots 66a, 66b, and 66c extending therethrough, as shown in FIGS. 1 3 and 4, and the longitudinal axes of these slots extend perpendicular to the planes of extension of movable and stationary contact carriers 16 and 24.

Operating handle 22 is pivotally mounted within a casing 68, and is movable manually between an ON" position 70 and an OFF" position 72, as shown in FIG. 1. Casing 68 can be mounted, and attached to a suitable supporting abutment 74. Handle 22 is mechanically coupled to a linkage plate 76, while a translation motion link 78 has one end 80 thereof fastened to plate 76. As handle 22 is moved towards the ON position, plate 76 causes the other end 82 of translation motion link 78 to move towards casing 68, and when handle 22 is moved towards the OFF" position, plate 76 causes the other end 82 of translation motion link 78 to move away from casing 68.

Actuating mechanism 20, in combination with linkage bracket assembly 18, provides a means responsive to the movement of handle 22 between the ON" and the *OFF" position for moving movable contact carrier 16 with respect to stationary contact carrier 24. Actuating mechanism 20 can be comprised of any standard well-known snap action over center spring mechanism, such as that shown in US. Pat. No. 3,6l4,680, and, in view of this, a detailed description of such a mechanism has been omitted. FIG. 1 shows a connecting link 84, pivotally attached to a housing 86 of the overcenter spring mechanism, and an actuating link 88. One end 90 of link 84 is pivotally connected to the other end 82 of translation motion link 78, while the other end 92 of link 84 is mechanically connected to and causes the movement of the spring within the overcenter spring mechanism. Link 88 has one end directly connectd to and responsive to the overcenter spring mechanism, while another end 94 thereof is mechanically coupled to linkage bracket assembly 18.

Linkage bracket assembly 18 is comprised of respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth rigidly constructed metal linkage brackets 96, 98, 100, 102, l04 and 106, a critical linkage pin 108, linkage pins and 112, pivotal support pins 114 and 116 and bracket coupling pins 118 and 120. Each linkage bracket has oppositely positioned side flanges for providing additional structural strength. The adjacent ends of brackets 104 and 106 are pivotally connected by one part of critical linkage pin 108 which passes through holes formed in the side flanges of these linkage brackets. An additional part of critical linkage pin 108 extends through slot 66a in second section 50 of second member 14, and is positioned within a V or U-shaped slot (not shown) in the end of actuating link 88, so that movement of link 88 is transmitted to critical linkage pin 108. Critical linkage pin 108 can be held in position in the ends of linkage brackets 104 and 106 by using standard fastening means, such as suitably placed cotter pins (not shown). One end of each oflinkage brackets 96 and 98 is pivotally fixed to second section 50 of second member 14 by one of a pair of pins 116 and 114, while the brackets are separated from section 50 by respective spacers 122 and 124. Pins 116 and 114 are each provided with a head (not shown), which head prevents each of the pins from being pulled through respective holes (not shown) in second section 50. The

pin heads and properly positioned cotter pins (not shown) hold pins 116 and 114 in place. One end of each of linkage brackets and 102 is pivotally connected to a base 126 of one of a pair of T-shaped brackets 128 by respective linkage pins 112 and 110, which pins are held in place by a pair of cotter pins (not shown). Pins and 112 have portions thereof passing through slots 66b and 66c respectively. Each of T shaped brackets 128 has its cross bar fixed, using standard fastening techniques, to movable contact carrier 16, thereby insuring that movable contact carrier 16 is properly held within opening 52 of first section 48 of second member 14 by linkage bracket assembly 18. The other ends of brackets 96, 100 and 104 are pivotally connected together by pin 120, while the other ends of brackets 98, 102 and 106 are pivotally fastened together by pin 118. Pins 118 and 120 again can be maintained with respect to the ends of their respective brackets by using suitably positioned cotter pins. Pivotally mounted brackets 96 and 98 and respective pins 116 and 114 provide full support for linkage bracekt assembly 18 and movable contact carrier 16. The extension of pins 108, 110 and 112 within respective slots 66a. 66b and 66c in second section 50 of second member 14 insures that movement translated from actuating mechanism 20 to linkage bracket assembly 18 will be maintained in a direction consistently perpendicular to the plane ofa surface 132 of stationary contact carrier 24 for reasons which will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Movable contact carrier 16 is comprised of a solid rigid insulative material, such as wood or plastic, and is suitably dimensioned to move freely within opening 52 in first section 48 of second member 14. As shown in FIG. 5, each of movable contacts 28 is carried by movable contact carrier 16, and each of the movable contacts is comprised of a shaft 132, a contact tip 134, a biasing spring 136 and a pair of terminal nuts 138 and 140, all of which are made of metal. Shaft 132 passes through a hole 142 in movable contact carrier 16. Contact tip 134 is attached to one end of shaft 132, and spring 136 is positioned between contact tip 134 and a planar surface 144 of movable contact carrier 16 so that contact tip 134 protrudes past and is biased away from planar surface 144 of movable contact carrier 16, which planar surface is maintained parallel to planar surface 132 of stationary contact carrier 24. Terminal nuts 138 and 140 are screwed onto a threaded end 146 of shaft 132, and are adapted to allow the terminal of a conductor to be positioned and held therebetween. The diameter of the threaded end 146 of shaft 132 is greater than the diameter of hole 142 in movable contact carrier 16 so as to prevent end 146 of the shaft from being forced through the hole in the movable contact carrier in the event that nuts 138 and 140 have not yet been threaded onto end 146.

Stationary contact carrier 24 is made of the same structurally rigid and insulative material as that of movable contact carrier 16. As shown in FIG. 6, each ofsta tionary contacts 26 is comprised of a threaded shaft 148, a contact tip 150 fixed to one end of shaft 148, and nuts 152 and 154 threaded on to the other end of shaft 148. Shaft 148 extends through a hole in the stationary contact carrier. while contact tip 150 is positioned. within a recessed section 155 of the hole and thus is positioned beneath surface 132 of stationary contact carrier 124. Each stationary contact 26 is fixed to, stationary contact carrier 24 by the cooperation of a threadednut 154, which abuts the rear surface 156 of the stationary contact carrier, and the underside of the enlarged contact tip 150. Threaded nuts 152 and 154 are adapted to receive the terminal of a conductor (not shown), which can be fastened therebetween and electrically connected to stationary contact 26.

Shutter 30 and plane 32 are also constructed of the same insulative rigid material as that of the stationary and movable contact carriers. Stationary contact carrier 24, shutter 30 and plate 32 are assembled together in parallel layered relation and are mounted to main section 34 of first member 12 using standard mounting techniques. Spacers 158, shown in FIGS. 2,- 3, 4 and 6, are positioned between stationary contact carrier 24 and plate 32 so that shutter 30 can slide therebetween. A guide pin 160 shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 is attached to stationary contact carrier 24, using standard fastening techniques, and passes through an elongated hole 162 in shutter 30, a hole 164 in plate 32, and also through a hole 166 in movable contact carrier 16 when first and second members 12 and 14 are being assembled. Additionally, a guide pin 168 passes through another series of similar holes (not shown) in shutter 30, plate 32 and movable contact carrier 16.

Guide pins 160 and 168 serve to retain shutter 30 between stationary contact carrier 24 and plate 32 prior to the final assembly of first and second members 12 and 14, and, at the same time, allow the shutter to move in the direction of the longitudinal axis of hole 162 so that each ofa plurality of holes 169 within shutter 30 can be moved from a position of misalignment with respect to a set of stationary and movable contacts to a position of alignment with respect to the same contact set. Guide pins 160 and 168 also serve to aid in the assembly of first and second members 12 and 14, and insure that each of the respective movable contacts is aligned witha respective stationary contact and that the plane of surface 144 (shown in FIG. 5) of movable contact carrier 16 is maintained parallel to the plane of surface 132 (shown in FIG. 6) of stationary contact carrier 24 as the movable contacts are brought into en gagement with the stationary contacts to insure simultaneous opening and closing of all contacts sets formed by each respective pair of movable and stationary contacts.

Stops or spacers 176 and 178 are positioned on respective guide pins 160and 168, as shown in FIG. 3, so that one side thereof abuts a surface 179 of plate 32, which abutting side is positioned approximately parallel to the plane of surface 132 of stationary contact carrier 24. As shown in FIG. 4, after movable contact carrier 16 has been moved towards stationary contact carrier 24 until each of the respective contact sets are closed, surface 144 of movable contact carrier 16 abuts the opposite sides 180 and 181 (shown in FIG. 3) of respective spacers 176 and 178. This insures that the final position of surface 144 of movable contact carrier 16 is parallel to the plane of surface 132 of stationary contact carrier 24, so that equal pressure is applied to each of the stationary contacts by each respective movable contact 28.

In the final stage of the assembly of the multipole disconnect switch, as previously described, first member 12, which supports stationary contact carrier 24, and second member 14, which supports movable contact carrier 16, are fastened together. During this step,

guide pins 160 and 168, shutter 30, plate 32, a cam bracket 182 having a camming surface 184, and a cam receiving plate 186 having an elongated cam receiving slot 188 therein, cooperate to insure that each movable contact is properly aligned with its respective stationary contact. Cam bracket 182 is fastened to first section 48 of second member 14 so that its camming surface 184 passes through slot 46 in main section 34 of first member 12, and then through slot 188 in cam receiving plate 186. Carn receiving plate 186, which is attached to a slotted end 190 of shutter 30, and shutter 30 are forced upward by camming surface 184 as second member 14 is moved toward and into the proper alignment position with respect to first member 12 until each of holes 169 in shutter 30 is aligned with and exposes each stationary contact to its respective movable contact. Prior to this final assembly step, shutter 30 is held by the force of gravity, or if desired, by a suitable spring biasing mechanism, in a position which causes access to surfaces 170 of each of the stationary contacts to be blocked by the misalignment of each of the holes 169 in shutter 30 with each corresponding movable and stationary contact. Additionally, each of the movable contacts is dimensioned to protrude past surface 144 of movable contact carrier 16 a sufficient distance, so that when operating handle 22 is in the ON position and movable contact carrier 16 has been moved towards stationary contact carrier 24, contact surface 174 (shown in FIG. of each of the movable contacts engages a blocking surface 192 of shutter 30 before camming surface 184 of cam bracket 182 has been able to move shutter 30 upward to align each of holes 169 with its respective stationary and movable contacts, and upward movement of shutter 30 is prevented. This feature insures that the multipole disconnect switch, and, more particularly, first and second members 12 and 14, cannot be finally assembled and fastened together while the operating handle of the switch is in the *ON" position.

The operation of the multipole disconnect switch will now be explained. As operating handle 22 is moved toward the ON" position, translation motion link 78 moves away from stationary contact carrier 24, and causes end 92 of link 84 to move toward stationary contact carrier 24. This movement of end 92 of link 84 causes a corresponding movement in the overcenter spring of mechanism until there is a snap action within the mechanism, which causes actuating linkage 88 to move critical linkage pin 108 towards stationary contact carrier 24. This movement of critical linkage pin 108 causes bracket coupling pins 118 and 120 to move away from the longitudinal axis of slot 661:. Such movement in bracket coupling pins 118 and 120, in turn, causes linkage pins 110 and 112 to push movable contact carrier 16 toward stationary contact carrier 24 until the contact tips of each of the movable contacts engage the respective corresponding contact tips of the corresponding stationary contacts, and surface 144 of movable contact carrier 16 abuts spacers 176 and 178. The movement oflinkage pins 108, 110 and 112 within respective slots 66a, 66b and 66c, and the length of each of these pins in conjunction with guide pins 160 and 168 and spacers 176 and 178, insure that surface 144 of movable contact carrier 16 is maintained parallel and moved perpendicular to the plane of surface 132 of stationary contact carrier 24, and that all contact sets close simultaneously.

It should also be noted that critical linkage pin 108 moves a greater distance than does movable contact carrier 16, so as to provide the necessary mechanical advantage to overcome the spring force of each of the movable contacts. By way ofexample, if Critical linkage pin 108 moves 2 inches and movable contact carrier 16 moves an eighth'of an inch, sufficient force will be imparted to movable contact carrier 16 to overcome a half a pound of spring force in each of the movable contacts of a 40 pole disconnect switch.

ln reverse, when operating handle 22 is moved toward the OFF" position, upon snap action actuation of actuating mechanism 20, critical linkage pin 108 is caused to move away from stationary contact carrier 24. This, in turn, causes linkage pins 118 and 120 to move toward the longitudinal axis of slot 660, thereby causing pins and 112 to pull movable contact carrier 16 away from stationary contact carrier 24, and movable contacts 28 simultaneously out of engagement with each of their respective stationary contacts. It should be noted that the advantage of using an overcenter spring mechanism as part of actuating mecha nism 20 is to cause decisive non-teasing actuation and deactuation of all contact sets.

Although the invention has been described with rel erence to a specific embodiment thereof, numerous modifications are possible without departing from the invention, and it is desirable to cover all modifications falling within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A multipole disconnect switch comprising:

a. a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts. a surface of each of said stationary contacts being aligned with and positioned adjacent to a surface of a corresponding one of said movable contacts to form a contact set;

b. a stationary contact carrier for supporting said stationary contacts;

0. a movable contact carrier for supporting said mov able contacts;

(1. means for mounting said stationary and movable contact carriers to a supporting structure, said mounting means being comprised of:

i. a first member supporting said stationary contact carrier, said first member including a main section having a window therein for exposing said stationary contacts to said movable contacts;

a second member for supporting said movable contact carrier, said second member including a first section having an opening therethrough for enabling said movable contacts to extend therethrough towards said stationary contacts, and a second section contiguous with and extending from said first section; and iii. means for fastening said first and second members together;

e. an operating handle movable between a first and a second position; and

f. means responsive to the movement of said handle between the first and second positions for moving said movable contact carrier toward and away from said stationary contact carrier to close all contact sets when said handle is moved to the first position, and open all contact sets when said handle is moved to the second position.

2. A multipole disconnect switch according to claim I, wherein said second section of said second member is at a substantially right angle to said first section and extends away from said first member, said second section having an elongated slot therethrough, the longitudinal axis of said slot being substantially perpendicular to the plane of the planar surfaces of said stationary and movable contact carriers.

3. A multipole disconnect switch according to claim 2, wherein said responsive means is comprised of:

a. means fastened to said second section of said second member for holding said movable contact carrier within the opening in said first section of said second member; and

b. actuating means mechanically coupled to said handle and said holding means for causing said holding means to move said movable contact carrier towards said stationary contact carrier when said handle is moved to the first position, and for causing said holding means to move said movable contact carrier away from said stationary contact carrier when said handle is moved to the second position.

4. A multipole disconnect switch according to claim 3, wherein said holding means is comprised of:

a. first and second linkage brackets, each of said linkage brackets having one respective end thereof pivotally connected to said second section of said second member;

b. third and fourth linkage brackets, one end of each of said third and fourth linkage brackets being pivotally connected to said movable contact carrier;

c. a critical linkage pin having a first and second por tion, said second portion extending through said slot in said second section of said second member and mechanically coupled to said actuating means; and

d. fifth and sixth linkage brackets, each of said fifth and sixth linkage brackets having one end thereof pivotally connected together by said first portion of said critical linkage pin, the other ends of said first, third and fifth linkage brackets being pivotally connected together, and the other ends of said second, fourth and sixth linkage brackets being pivotally connected together, whereby when said handle is moved to the first position, said actuating means causes said critical linkage pin to move towards said stationary contact carrier, thereby causing said other end of all of said linkage brackets to move away from said slot in said second section of said second member so as to force said one ends of said third and fourth linkage brackets towards said stationary carrier and each of said movable contacts into engagement with a respective one of said stationary contacts, and when said handle is moved to the second position. said actuating means causes said critical linkage pin to move away from said stationary carrier, thereby causing said other ends of all of said linkage brackets to move toward said slot in said second section of said second member so as to force said one ends of said third and fourth linkage brackets to pull said movable contact carrier away from said stationary carrier and each of said movable contacts out of engagement with a respective one of said stationary contacts.

5. A multipole disconnect switch comprising:

a. a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts, a surface of each of said stationary contacts being aligned with and positioned adjacent to a surface of a corresponding one of said movable contacts to form a contact set;

b. a stationary contact carrier for supporting said stationary contacts;

c. a movable contact carrier for supporting said movable contacts;

d. means for mounting said stationary and movable contact carriers to a supporting structure;

e. an operating handle movable between a first and a second position;

f. means responsive to the movement of said handle between the first and second positions for moving said movable contact carrier toward and away from said stationary contact carrier to close all contact sets when said handle is moved to the first position, and open all contact sets when said handle is moved to the second position; and

g. means for aligning each of said movable contacts with a respective one of said stationary contacts during final assembly and prior to operation of said disconnect switch, said aligning means being comprised of:

i. a plate having a plurality of holes therein, each of said holes being aligned with a respective one of said stationary contacts;

ii. a shutter disposed between said stationary contact carrier and said plate, said shutter having a plurality of holes therein for allowing each of said movable contacts to pass therethrough and into engagement with a respective one of said stationary contacts, said shutter being initially positioned immediately prior to final assembly of said disconnect switch so that the holes therein are out of alignment with said stationary contacts to prevent said movable contacts from passing therethrough; and

iii. means for moving said shutter during final assembly of said disconnect switch until the holes in said shutter are in alignment with the holes in said plate when each of the movable contacts is in proper alignment with a respective one of said stationary contacts.

6. A multipole disconnect switch according to claim 5, wherein said shutter moving means is comprised of:

a. a cam bracket attached to said first section of said second member and extending in the direction of said stationary contact carrier, said main section of said first member having a hole therein for allowing said cam bracket to pass therethrough; and

b. a cam receiving plate attached to said shutter having a slot therein positioned to receive said cam, bracket to force said shutter to move to a position such that the holes in said shutter are in alignment with said stationary contacts when each of said movable contacts is in proper alignment with a respective one of said stationary contacts.

7. A multipole disconnect switch comprising:

a. a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts, a surface of each of said stationary contacts being aligned with and positioned adjacent to a surface of a corresponding one of said movable contacts to form a contact set;

b. a movable contact carrier for supporting said movable contacts;

a stationary contact carrier for supporting said stationary contacts, said stationary contact carrier having a plurality of recessed sections extending from and adjacent a planar surface thereof, the surface of each of said stationary contacts being positioned within a corresponding one of said recessed sections;

d. means for mounting said stationary and movable contact carriers to a supporting structure;

e. an operating handle movable between a first and 8. A multipole disconnect switch comprising: a. a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts, a surface of each of said stationary contacts being aligned with and positioned adjacent to a surface of a corresponding one of said movable contacts to form a contact set;

b. a stationary contact carrier for supporting said stationary contacts;

c. a movable contact carrier for supporting said movable contacts, said movable contact carrier having first and second holes extending therethrough, said first hole being positioned adjacent one end of said movable contact carrier, and said second hole being positioned adjacent another end opposite said one end of said movable contact carrier;

d. means for mounting said stationary and movable contact carriers to a supporting structure;

an operating handle movable between a first and a second position;

means responsiveto the movement of said handle between the first and second positions for moving said movable contact carrier toward and away from said stationary contact carrier to close all contact sets when said handle is moved to the first position, and open all contact sets when said handle is moved to the second position;

. first and second guide pins attached to said stationary contact carrier axially aligned with and passing through said respective first and second holes in said movable contact carrier; and

h. first and second spacer members attached to said respective first and second guide pins, one side of each of said spacer members positioned parallel to the planar surface of said stationary contact carrier, and the opposite side of each of said spacer members abutting the planar surface of said mov able contact carrier after all the contact sets have been closed, whereby to insure that the planar surfaces of said movable and stationary carriers are maintained parallel with respect to each other when all the contact sets are closed. 

1. A multipole disconnect switch comprising: a. a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts, a surface of each of said stationary contacts being aligned with and positioned adjacent to a surface of a corresponding one of said movable contacts to form a contact set; b. a stationary contact carrier for supporting said stationary contacts; c. a movable contact carrier for supporting said movable contacts; d. means for mounting said stationary and movable contact carriers to a supporting structure, said mounting means being comprised of: i. a first member supporting said stationary contact carrier, said first member including a main section having a window therein for exposing said stationary contacts to said movable contacts; ii. a second member for supporting said movable contact carrier, said second member including a first section having an opening therethrough for enabling said movable contacts to extend therethrough towards said stationary contacts, and a second section contiguous with and extending from said first section; and iii. means for fastening said first and second members together; e. an operating handle movable between a first and a second position; and f. means responsive to the movement of said handle between the first and second positions for moving said movable contact carrier toward and away from said stationary contact carrier to close all contact sets when said handle is moved to the first position, and open all contact sets when said handle is moved to the second position.
 2. A multipole disconnect switch according to claim 1, wherein said second section of said second member is at a substantially right angle to said first section and extends away from said first member, said second section having an elongated slot therethrough, the longitudinal axis of said slot being substantially perpendicular to the plane of the planar surfaces of said stationary and movable contact carriers.
 3. A multipole disconnect switch according to claim 2, wherein said responsive means is comprised of: a. means fastened to said second section of said second member for holding said movable contact carrier within the opening in said first section of said second member; and b. actuating means mechanically coupled to said handle and said holding means for causing said holding means to move said movable contact carrier towards said stationary contact carrier when said handle is moved to the first position, and for causing said holding means to move said movable contact carrier away from said stationary contact carrier when said handle is moved to the second position.
 4. A multipole disconnect switch according to claim 3, wherein said holding means is comprised of: a. first and second linkage brackets, each of said linkage brackets having one respective end thereof pivotally connected to said second section of said second member; b. third and fourth linkage brackets, one end of each of said third and fourth linkage brackets being pivotally connected to said movable contact carrier; c. a critical linkage pin having a first and second portion, said second portion extending through said slot in said second section of said second member and mechanically coupled to said actuating means; and d. fifth and sixth linkage brackets, each of said fifth and sixth linkage brackets having one end thereof pivotally connected together by said first portion of said critical linkage pin, the other ends of said first, third and fifth linkage brackets being pivotally connected together, and the other ends of said second, fourth and sixth linkage brackets being pivotally connected together, whereby when said handle is moved to the first position, said actuating means causes said critical linkage pin to move towards said stationary contact carrier, thereby causing said other end of all of said linkage brackets to move away from said slot in said second section of said second member so as to force said one ends of said third and fourth linkage brackets towards said stationary carrier and each of said movable contacts into engagement with a respective one of said stationary contacts, and when said handle is moved to the second position, said actuating means causes said critical linkage pin tO move away from said stationary carrier, thereby causing said other ends of all of said linkage brackets to move toward said slot in said second section of said second member so as to force said one ends of said third and fourth linkage brackets to pull said movable contact carrier away from said stationary carrier and each of said movable contacts out of engagement with a respective one of said stationary contacts.
 5. A multipole disconnect switch comprising: a. a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts, a surface of each of said stationary contacts being aligned with and positioned adjacent to a surface of a corresponding one of said movable contacts to form a contact set; b. a stationary contact carrier for supporting said stationary contacts; c. a movable contact carrier for supporting said movable contacts; d. means for mounting said stationary and movable contact carriers to a supporting structure; e. an operating handle movable between a first and a second position; f. means responsive to the movement of said handle between the first and second positions for moving said movable contact carrier toward and away from said stationary contact carrier to close all contact sets when said handle is moved to the first position, and open all contact sets when said handle is moved to the second position; and g. means for aligning each of said movable contacts with a respective one of said stationary contacts during final assembly and prior to operation of said disconnect switch, said aligning means being comprised of: i. a plate having a plurality of holes therein, each of said holes being aligned with a respective one of said stationary contacts; ii. a shutter disposed between said stationary contact carrier and said plate, said shutter having a plurality of holes therein for allowing each of said movable contacts to pass therethrough and into engagement with a respective one of said stationary contacts, said shutter being initially positioned immediately prior to final assembly of said disconnect switch so that the holes therein are out of alignment with said stationary contacts to prevent said movable contacts from passing therethrough; and iii. means for moving said shutter during final assembly of said disconnect switch until the holes in said shutter are in alignment with the holes in said plate when each of the movable contacts is in proper alignment with a respective one of said stationary contacts.
 6. A multipole disconnect switch according to claim 5, wherein said shutter moving means is comprised of: a. a cam bracket attached to said first section of said second member and extending in the direction of said stationary contact carrier, said main section of said first member having a hole therein for allowing said cam bracket to pass therethrough; and b. a cam receiving plate attached to said shutter having a slot therein positioned to receive said cam, bracket to force said shutter to move to a position such that the holes in said shutter are in alignment with said stationary contacts when each of said movable contacts is in proper alignment with a respective one of said stationary contacts.
 7. A multipole disconnect switch comprising: a. a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts, a surface of each of said stationary contacts being aligned with and positioned adjacent to a surface of a corresponding one of said movable contacts to form a contact set; b. a movable contact carrier for supporting said movable contacts; c. a stationary contact carrier for supporting said stationary contacts, said stationary contact carrier having a plurality of recessed sections extending from and adjacent a planar surface thereof, the surface of each of said stationary contacts being positioned within a corresponding one of said recessed sections; d. means for mounting said stationary and movable contact carriers to a supporting structure; e. an operating hAndle movable between a first and a second position; and f. means responsive to the movement of said handle between the first and second positions for moving said movable contact carrier toward and away from said stationary contact carrier to close all contact sets when said handle is moved to the first position, and open all contact sets when said handle is moved to the second position, whereby a surface of each of said corresponding movable contacts protrudes into a corresponding one of said recessed sections to engage a corresponding one of said stationary contacts when all of said contact sets are closed.
 8. A multipole disconnect switch comprising: a. a plurality of stationary and movable electrical contacts, a surface of each of said stationary contacts being aligned with and positioned adjacent to a surface of a corresponding one of said movable contacts to form a contact set; b. a stationary contact carrier for supporting said stationary contacts; c. a movable contact carrier for supporting said movable contacts, said movable contact carrier having first and second holes extending therethrough, said first hole being positioned adjacent one end of said movable contact carrier, and said second hole being positioned adjacent another end opposite said one end of said movable contact carrier; d. means for mounting said stationary and movable contact carriers to a supporting structure; e. an operating handle movable between a first and a second position; f. means responsive to the movement of said handle between the first and second positions for moving said movable contact carrier toward and away from said stationary contact carrier to close all contact sets when said handle is moved to the first position, and open all contact sets when said handle is moved to the second position; g. first and second guide pins attached to said stationary contact carrier axially aligned with and passing through said respective first and second holes in said movable contact carrier; and h. first and second spacer members attached to said respective first and second guide pins, one side of each of said spacer members positioned parallel to the planar surface of said stationary contact carrier, and the opposite side of each of said spacer members abutting the planar surface of said movable contact carrier after all the contact sets have been closed, whereby to insure that the planar surfaces of said movable and stationary carriers are maintained parallel with respect to each other when all the contact sets are closed. 